West Virginia Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017
By Phil Poling
There’s a lot of hype surrounding the West Virginia football program heading into the 2017 season, and for good reason.
Dana Holgorsen and the Mountaineers were undefeated in last year’s regular season, against all teams not from the state of Oklahoma that is. They won 10 games for the second time in the Holgorsen-era, but expectations keep rising, especially with some unknowns surrounding the rest of the Big 12.
Will the Oklahoma Sooners continue their reign without Bob Stoops? Can the Oklahoma State Cowboys finally get over the hump? What about Tom Herman and the Texas Longhorns? Not to mention Baylor, Kansas State or TCU.
Holgorsen’s currently in the midst of his best run at WVU, increasing the ‘Eers win total every season for the past four years. Adding quarterback Will Grier to the mix heaps pressure on the shoulders of all those involved, but the junior gunslinger is primed and ready, particularly for the season opener.
Virginia Tech finished 10-4 last season and gave eventual-National Champion Clemson a fight in the ACC Championship Game. Pushing the Tigers to the brink, the Hokies fell just short, losing 42-35 before rebounding in their bowl game, defeating Arkansas 35-24.
It’s well-known that “Saturdays are for the boys” but Holgorsen and the Mountaineers kick off the 2017 season on Sunday, Sept. 3, on ABC in prime time. Facing off against old Big East rival Virginia Tech, right away the Mountaineers will learn where they stand among the nation’s top 25.
More: Virginia Tech 2-Deep Depth Chart
The Hokies enter the season ranked No. 22, but are left replacing a number of key contributors. They’ll have a new quarterback and weapons on the outside, but do return an experienced unit on defense, including Terrell Edmunds and Greg Stroman. Redshirt freshman quarterback Josh Jackson was recently named the Week 1 starter.
With all eyes on the Hokies and Mountaineers to wrap up opening weekend, the lights will shine too bright for the young Virginia Tech quarterback, especially against WVU defensive coordinator Tony Gibson. Dravon Askew-Henry returns to his safety position in 2017, giving Kyzir White room to roam around and wreak havoc.
There’s a few experienced linebackers for the Mountaineers nobody is talking about, too. Look for Al-Rasheed Benton and Xavier Preston to flock to the football as well. WVU’s Will Grier re-introduces himself to the country in the spotlight, and the ‘Eers are off and running with Justin Crawford and Kennedy McKoy in a win to jump start a long season. Let’s go.